Isla realizes that dreams can come true and look different from what was imagined in Running Point Season 2, Episode 5, “Rehearsal Dinner.” This episode, written by Akshara Sekar and directed by Micahel Weaver, sees everyone grapple with what they want. More importantly, the episode asks and answers what the characters will do to get it. Running Point can’t find a better backdrop for that than Isla and Lev’s rehearsal dinner.
It’s also the perfect place for Cam, Jackie, Ness, and Sandy to interact without sitting around a conference room table. Their Scottish dance is delightful, yet it emphasizes how little those four characters interact. Likewise, it’s funny that Running Point cuts to Sofia counting the beats in the wings. Where has she been this season? “Rehearsal Dinner” doesn’t answer that question, but it does introduce Ike Barinholtz as the Gordons’ cousin, Bennie. He feels like an extension of The Mindy Project’s Morgan Tookers, which makes me very happy.
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Ness Steps Up and Scores
Halfway through the season, Running Point finally gives Ness more to do. Maybe it’s because I pay too much attention, but it tripped me up that he says it’s 2025 in his big speech – an earlier episode established that this season is set in 2026. Regardless, that scene provides insight into Ness – he’s aware that he’s a people person, but that quality doesn’t always transfer to deals. There’s also a lot to glean from Ness’s discomfort with the phrase “Ness it up.” Of course, it sticks to Ness when his loved ones think he mostly screws things up.
Ness’s feelings about potentially being unable to exceed that expectation make that Ness and Sandy scene in the car great. I like that Sandy tells Ness, “You can’t make everyone happy all the time.” It’s something Ness needs to hear, and it’s also something Sandy can benefit from remembering. Running Point really works when it dives into the Gordon family’s dynamics.
“Rehearsal Dinner” believably takes Ness from crying in his car to sealing the deal. In doing so, he does what Cam can’t – putting in the work for Isla’s vision for the Waves. In turn, Running Point rolls right into Cam’s final push to turn to Al to get minority ownership. Additionally, the season’s conversations about what people are worth extend from Ness to Travis. There are real stakes for Travis if the Waves bench him in favor of Tommy, a new point guard. Hopefully, Running Point checks back in there now that Tommy is joining the team.
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The Love Triangle Falls Apart…Again
Isla and Lev’s rehearsal dinner faces huge obstacles – beyond that they aren’t equally invested in the idea of their marriage. Jay’s return underscores how easy it is between him and Isla. The banter and chemistry are seamless despite the time that he’s been away. They immediately click again over their shared passion for basketball. The scene is so well-scripted and performed. Jay not getting an invitation feels like a bucket of cold water thrown on the characters.
The same is true about any positive sentiment between Isla and Lev before that scene in the car. That one-two punch of Isla’s “My family needs certain protections” and Lev’s “I didn’t realize I was a threat” is brutal. Kate Hudson and Max Greenfield do really great work in this scene. From there, it’s challenging to see how these two will get past that. Even Lev’s signing the prenup doesn’t fix the outstanding issues in their relationship. Then, Isla’s speech at the dinner is more about her appreciation of Lev than a celebration of their relationship.
Isla feels so removed from it. So, I like that Jay’s return recontextualizes what that means for her in relation to the two rings in her life – his Champions ring and her engagement ring. Both remind her of what she wants. It’s interesting and honest for Running Point to show its lead realizing that she has different feelings for Lev than she does for the organization. The show isn’t saying that Isla can’t have ambition and love; it’s just saying that this relationship isn’t the right fit for her. Jay or not, Isla and Lev have never been on the same page, and “Rehearsal Dinner” reiterates that that’s not changing any time soon.
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